2006

2006, this year was special for me. As you know, I went to Alabama to study English as university's program. Everything was new for me, for example, I had never been to foreign countries. I remember that I was so excited about going to America!! Studying abroad was one of my dreams.

Actually I was not alone because I went there with my friends who applyed for same program of studying abroad with me. Since we arrived at University of Alabama, we had stayed at New Hall, which was a old dorm. I guess we had stayed there for two weeks. I remember that at first I was disappointed because there was no American at that dorm, just us. Until ELI started, we were so bored.

And then I belonged to ELI during summer. At that time, I noticed that my English level was very low. In speaking class, we had presentation several times, but I couldn't do well. I was afraid of speaking English in front of many people. I envied guys who spoke a lot in the class. But I found I could say my opinion at discussion or in small group. And then I considerd that in private practice. I mean, I avoided spending time with Japanese big group. Moreover, there were few American there because they were taking vacation. So I had to make chance to speak English by myself, so I went to cafe which was near to our dorm with Hitomi. We were trying to make American friends. I think I got courage because we spoke to stranger who were at that cafe.

Once we were so shoked because guys who were so kind when we talked for the first time and invited to breakfast changed their attitude suddenly. I mean we called them a few days later but they ignored us.

But sometimes people were nice and taught us various special things like culture.

And also I hung out with Korean mainly. They were like old brothers for me.

After I begun to take class at UA, everything happened!! Micah, you invited me and Hitomi to the bar because of my birthday. There, to become 21 was special!! I don't know why but he rememberd my birthday. We went the bar finally, there was Kai, I remember. That was first meeting him, but at that time I didn't expect that I would like him later and bother about him though. From that day, we started to hang out often, especially Ayumi, Micah's girlfriend, invited us to the party!! She gave us a lot of chances that we met American or international students. That's why I could meet a lot of nice friends.

When I think about my English skill, it got better but still I need to practice.
And I noticed that I really like speaking English and communicating with people.

My grade at university was not good but I can say I studied very hard like when I studied to enter university. For sure, it was hard but I became stronger mentally.
You know I stayed at the libraly all night lol

Now I'm in Japan. everything was like dream,,,,,
But I'm sure I was at tuscaloosa and I got wonderful experiences, it's priceless....

Just before I left, I also met some nice people,,,, I really want to be firends with them but there were not enough time. I really wanna go back, I already miss my friends!!

X'mas at the church

today was last day to go church with Sara:( Since September, I had been there at least five times. As you know, I'm not Christian but she was alway saying to me like just come with me and you can need to go to get American experience!!! And I was like okay, let's go......

But I was moved every time coz the church's song was awesome!!

today was not same as usual, it was X'mas version:D We sang X'mas song and children playd music by bells** One boy was ringing bell so hard, he was so CUTE!!!!!!!

I was thinkng during singing that this was the last time...... Sara was so kind and she was always trying to give me "American experience." And from monday we have to study so it's gonna be difficult to spend a time togehter. We undersatnd our situation, so we are so sad. We need time more!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

TAKOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!

This Friday, I went to Micah and Ayumi's place. We made Japanese food, takoyaki, which is his favorite. It was second time but David and Ayumi didn't come last time, so he was excited about takoyaki. Well, he liked it!!! I ate a lot coz you know takoyaki are small and we just ate two or three at one time. And then we had to wait they were done, again agAIn AGAIN!!! When foreigners say to me " I like Japnanese food," I'm so happy!!!

Now I wanna talk about Micah. As I talled you, he is Ayumi's boyfriend. He is fanny and kind. He likes teaching friends what he learnd. That day, I learnd how to make beer. He loves beer and alos he is making beer. Can you believe that?? When I heard first time, I was so surprised!! How?? Where?? I thought that!!

Now he wanna make his own beer and sell in Japan. He just wants people to know true and dericious beer!!! And also he is thinking about design of beer bottole coz he is good at painting.

He said that he would sell his beer at Ayumi's parents' restaurant where we can eat eel. You know, I wanna try it and I wanna see it in Japan!!!

I thought he was talented guy. He believes his own desicion or idea. He could be a famous person in Japan!!!

German X'mas

In UA, there are a lot of student who are from Germany, that's why there is a German house on campus. It's kinda dorm but just only German live there. And on Sunday they had a X'mas party and I and Hitomi went there with Tobi and Daisuke. Tobi is German and Daisuke is Erika's boyfriend.

And now I wanna tell you guys about hot wine. I don't know if this is right name or not though.... anyway it's knida special for German. It was so goooooooood but actually it makes us drunk more quickly. and also I ate various cookies. Tim, who is our friend and from German, told me how to eat cookies with wine. He said dip it. It was also gooooooooooood!!!!!!!!

I got a good experience though I'm in Alabama........ lol

THANKSGIVING!!

Hey guys!! I had gooood experience through my friends for Thanksgiving. Well, I had 5 days break for Thanksgiving, from Wednesday to Sunday. So basically students went back thier hometown and had a big meal with their family and relatives. In Japan we don't care about this holiday. And then I was so excited about having a traditional food, such as turkey, ham, pie and so on. I had southern meal but I forgot name, sorry about that!!

Well I'll talk about my stories about break in detail^^

Anyway, on thanksgiving day, thursday, I visited Stephanie's house coz Josh made turkey, ham, bread and other southern food. It was yammyyyyyyyyyy!! We had a bunch of food, of course we couldn't finish them. Now his girlfriend and her friends who are my seniors are in Tuscaloosa, and they made Japanese food, Okonomiyaki. I love it:D

On Saturday, Hitomi and I were invited by Micah for thanksgiving dinner. I was glad about that. We made Gyouza and Ayumi who is a graduated student and his girlfriend made Nabe. After he finished his work, we went his mom's place. Before I enterd his house, I was so nurvous coz it was first time to meet his mom and I was worried about if I could talk to her politely or well, you know, just I wanted to be nice to her. BUT!!! She was pretty nice and friendly. I was like I'm happy to see her!! And it was funny to see him and his mom talking coz their way to talk was same!!! And then we had dinner, she likes caring about organic food so the meals were healthy. While we were eating dinner, they talked about lesbian and gay. But I couldn't keep up with their talking, so I felt my listenig was still bad.......

Anyway, I had a good time with them actually I wanna visit again!!! Thank you for inviting us, Micah, Ayumi:)

The other two days, I went to the party. But actually both of them were not so big, I mean just between friends. But I got drunk coz I took shots a lot.That's why.....

You know, I drunk alcohole just two days, to tell the truth, I expected to have alcohole a lot during break but it was not. ahahaaaaaa

Anyway, I enjoyed this break:) Now they are thinkng about X'mas!!! What's going on!?

HARD to SAY

HARD TO SAY!!
Sometimes my friends ask me my opinion when we talk about priovate problems. I often talk serious private thing with Sara. She has a boyfriend in Iraq because of army. They have been dating for about 7 months but their relationship is basically on the phone. They didn't spend enough time toghether coz it was difficult to meet. But one day he said on the phone he wanna live toghether after he came back America. Of course she was so happy but it is not good coz she doesn't know what's going on!! She was worried about that the relationship was getting bad coz it was not little by little. But in his opinion, he wanna be with her anytime coz now they can't meet easily. I know he loves her so much. So they got fight on the phone. After that she asked me what she should. I had a lot of opinion or advice for her, but you know it was hard to say exactly. Anyway I agree with her. I think it is not good to live together without spending enough time.

When I think about my English skill, I was disapointed. I couldn't tell my feeling or opinion crealy. I wanna help her, I want her to be happy so I wanna give her advice that she can choose the best way!!

What's going on!?

I decided not to go anywhere before I go back Japan. Probably I will spend Christmas with Yunghwa. However, already I reserved the air ticket on December 21th coz it will be difficult to get ticket. So I'll change teh flight date. I wanna experience American Christmas, but every my friend will go back hometowen and spend with family. I can't join coz I 'm not familiy member. But when I asked her to give me a ride from Rose Towers to Birmingham airport, she invited me to go to her cusin's house on Christmas. So now I have chance!! I really hope that!!

Take it easy!!

For a while, I've not been writen the blog, coz I had been busy in studying or other staff.

Since I came here, Tuscaloosa, about 6 months had already passed. How did I change? What did I find about myself?

I don' t know... I couldn't find anything special...

When I talk about my roommates, I was lucky coz they are so nice. Crystal, Brandy, Sara.
Especially for Brandy, I am first Japanese friend!! She is pregnant, and she will give a birth on Decenber, so I wanna see her baby. But, you know, I have to go back Japan around the end of December. So just I hope coze everybody is not sure about birthday.

As for Sara, she became my best friend. We often talk about guys. If I am interested in one guy, I will tell her, and she will think about that with me, I mean what should I do or how can I make chance to be close with him. One day I was so disappointed coz one guy who I liked got new girlfriend. I was crying and she was supprised, and then I talked everything. She said, "I'm sorry. You should forget him! Anyway let's sing a song." She is taking music class, so she is practicing piano. From that time, we often play music together, I mean, I sing and she plays the piano. She is always making me happy!!

I often think about my future. What do I wanna do? I have not found it yet. Since I was in elementary school, I wanted to be an interpreter. However now I can see reality that I cannot be. Actually I wanna live in America. I think American life fits me but you know, it's gonna be difficult to get visa for working. I don't wanna get a job that I am not interested in. I know it's kind of wishful thinking. But...I don't think I can enjoy my life in Japan.

I wanna see my best friends. One of them are in Washington sates. She also applyed to study abroad but we didn't go to the same state. She is always making her effort and doing her best. But she is always distressing about studying or making good relationship with Japanese. I respect her.

The other is in Japan. She is also helping me when I have problems. She notices my sadness before I tell her. She is always cherring me up!!

These days I wsa so disappointed, and I have a lot of stress about my friends, German guy and my grade. I disclosed everything by mailing coz that was one way to get over myself.

They gave me wonderful cheering. I think friends are necessary in my life!!

Anyway now I am fine!! I decided to reset everything. Take it easy!!

She is my best friend!!

About Yunhwa

She is from Korea and she started ELI at the same time with me. She is one year older than me.

At first we didn't talk so much because we didn't have the same classes. But we became to eat lunch together 'cause one of my friends, Akie and she were friends. And I tried to make friendship with her. Basically she speaks a lot so I couldn't talk. Actually while I was in ELI, we didn't meet except the school but recently, I mean, I finish the ELI, we often hang out. She called me and go somewhere or after the class, we talked at Starbucks.

And when I have problem like something love, I talk to her about it. She gives me some advice, and she cheers me up!!

I enjoy spending time with her.

Actually I didn't expecet to get a true friend but now for me she is one of my best friends!!

What do I wanna do?

Today I met my senior, Erika. Hitomi and I went to her house, and we ate dinner which she made. She is so good at cooking. Whenever she made something, I ask her how to make it but it may be difficult. All I have tried was carbonara. I think I did very well!!

Anyway after we ate dinner, we talked a lot about our life.
Her major is music because she likes playing music, aaaa I forgot the intrument!! Anyway, she has been playing music since she was 13 years old. She came here because her favorite and respectful teacher is teaching muxic at UA. That is, she came here to take his class!! After she graduated the uniersity in Japan, she didn't try job hunting because she had already decided to go university in America. I felt her ambitious toward music.

Since I came here, I met a lot of people including Kansai Gaidai students. Each of them has their dream or wish. The most important thing is that how much you can be serious and positive about it.

As for me, I enjoy myself now but I don't know what I wanna do near future, so I am so worried abotu my life. But my final big dream will never change!!

I Am a UA Student

Yeah, I am a UA student now. Today I attended the first classes. I was so nurvous but in the first class I attended with my roommate, Sara. So it was fine because I thought when I have problems, I can ask to her. She will help me. Today in every class, the teachers did just introduction. I can't find if it is gonna be hard or not. Actually I am interested in mass comunication class but I decided to drop it, because we have to make presentation in front of American. I CANNOT!! Moreover, I have to think about my grade because if I took less than C-, I have to pay back money. I don't wanna do that. Tomorro I will take Political Science, Human Development.

Today Will Be a Memorial Day

I was reading the book, The CLIENT, suddenly, the door opened. I was suprised but I could expect my new rooommate would come. That's why I went close to the door. And then I met white pretty girl whose name is Sara, and her mom. She asked to me where I was from, and I said I was from Japan. She smiled and said I could speak Japanese, itch, ni, shan, shi, go, roku, shichi, hachi, kyu, zyu. Last sesseion, she had a Japanese roommate, so she had been already interested in Japan. I was so happy to hear haer speaking. Recently I found that it was difficult to make friends with American who were not interested in Japan or Asia. Think about this; if you were American, can you keep talking with people who can not speak English frequently? Probably you speak slowly or you say what you said many times because it is difficult for them to understand English that native speaker speaks. But if the American are interested in Japan or Asia, they try to make friends with us because they also study Japanese, Korean or Chinese.

Now I have a big chance because she gets used to live with Japanese. Moreover, she is so friendly. I wanna be one of her friends.

And at night, I met another roommate who would live in single room. Her name is Tonoreny. She is so quiet but I like her smile. I didn't have enough time to talk with her but she looks nice!!

I Love NY

New York City is wonderful!!

I went to NY with my friends on summer vacation and had stayed there for for days. It was first time for me!! Before we went there and also after we arrived there, we were so excited. There were a lot of famous place in NY, such as Centeral Park. We planed very carefully before we went NY because we didn't want to waste of time. As for the place where we stayed was so nice, it was the type of apartment.

The first day

We arrived at our hotel around four o'clock and then we went to Times Squere. It was same with the one of scene that I wached in the movies. I was so excited and we took a lot of pictures. And then we met our friends and ate dinner togethere.

And we tried to go to the Empire State Building, however we couldn't enter because it was too late.

The second day

That day was so hard. In the morning, we went to see the Statute of Liberty. I really felt I was in NY!!

And then we went shopping. We walked around China Town, Little Italy and Soho. There were a lot of shops or butiques which had a various clothes like 80's style. We tried to buy dress for the American party but Atsuko and I couldn't. We couldn't find the best one. But I bought two bags and one jacket. Actually, it was not enough for me but we didn't have much time for shopping. Our purpose was to enjoy NY, as for shopping, we can do anywhere.

That day, we were exhausted because we walked too much.

The third day

At the morning, we went to the Empire State Building. It was great, SO BEAUTIFUL. We could see all the scale of Manhattan!! I moved.

And then we went to Metroporitan musium, the biggest musium in the world, Central Park. Actually we wanted to stay more but we couldn't, because we didn't have time. At that nignt we tried to see Broadway show!!

We could get ticket of Tarsun.

I've hared the attraction of Broadway so I really looked forward to seeing that. It was new but it was so great. Now I like musical. One of my friends said we could see it at Barmingham. We decided to go there to see musical if we have chance.

The fourth day

We ate brackfasst at the cafe. I'm interested in American breakfast. America has traditional breakfast, it is easy to make but I wanted to eat.

We had a great time. Next I wanna go there on winter.

ELI Finish

Finally, we finished the program of ELI. Every KANSAI GAIDAI student can go to the UA. How wonderful it is!! Today we, ELI students, had a certification ceremony. Of course, I attended and I enjoyed having a lunch with ELI students and teachers. Sometimes I felt sad because I can't take classes with them any more. I have a lot of memories with them. I experienced at ELI valuably. If I had stayed in Japan without coming to Ameirca, I would have never meet them, Saudi Arabian, Korean etc. Especially, I spent much time with Korean. I'll never forget that!! And they will stay more, so I can meet them anytime!! I often worried about my English but now I feel relax because even if I hurried up to improve my English, I will not be able to anything!! I decided to keep up with my pace!! And I hope something will change when I go to the UA.

And also we held a party for Japnese friends who will go to Florida. They had another program so today was final day to meet them. We sang a song for them, " BEST FRIEND" and made Japanese dinner. Like this, from now on, I have to say good bye to my friends many times. I don't waana do that. But I'll never forget that we enjoyed Alabama life together.

3rd, Aug, 2006

Today is my birthday!! I became 21 years old. Happy Happy Happy!!

After I finished the classes, I prepared for presentation with Nathon at the libraly. And we dicided to have a dinner together!!

Giro, Colin, Saimon, Shota, Ikuko and Nao was cooking when I arrived at the Simon's house. Smell was so good. I was hangry so I was ready to eat. They said "this is for Miki". I was so happy. Dinner was so good. While we were eating, Atsuko and karei suprised me because they said saddenly " We have presents for you!". I couldn't underdtand because I had already got the birthday present.

They gave me a cork board which was wriiten massage from Colin, Nathon, Giro, Saimon, Chun-I, Big-Mahamed, Tall-Mahamed, Shota, Tama, Atsuko, Karei, Ikuko, Nao, Ayumi, Erina, Hitomi and the a letter. They made it for me!! And the letter was from another my wonderful frinds. When I read massages, I couldn't help crying.

I might say this was my first time!! I have never had such a big party. They are my best friends. I thought I had a fantastic time with them since I came here.

I love them!! Thank you so much. It is gonna be my best presure in my life!!

Surprising Party

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!

When I enterd the room, everybody said.

At that time, I didn't recognize this party was for me. I had heard that this party was for Erina. So I was waiting next to Erina to open the door, but suddenly, Nathon, who was one of my Korean friends, grabed my arm and he pushed me.

I saw their smile and heard the birhthday song. Moreover, Atsuko and Karei gave me a birthday present. It was wounderful. I cannot say anything about my present!! And also there were two kinds of cakes, they made for us.

Erina and I looked each other because we didn't know this party was for ourselves, Erina thought this was for Miki as well as I thought.

I had a wonderful time. My birthday comes in summer vacation, so I have not had such a big birthaday party, so I am so happy. Appreciate, my best friends!!

Congratuationation, Ashley

I got a wonderful mail from Ashley, she is one of my American friend. When I read it, I was suprised. You know why??

She is gonna get married! Congratuation!!

About one year ago, she came Japan as a exchang student. I met her through the university program. She was very nice and friendly so we made a friend very soon. While she was staying at Japan, she was keeping in touch with her boyfriend. She had talked me about him. I knew she loved him very much.

He proposed her on the day before her birthday. Also, he gave pretty ring to her.

She must be happy. I wanna say congratuation to her. They will have a wedding ceremony in next year, on June. I hope I can go!!

I Don't Wanna Say Good-Bye

I felt so sad to say good bye to friends.

Brandy, one of my best friends and roommates, went back to her home. We met about one month ago.

One manth ago, I had two roommate at the same time. At first, I was very upset though I wanted to have roommates. My English was not enough (still now) so I didn't try to speak to them, especially Brandy. Crystal was interested in Japan, and she has Japanese friends, so she was easy to talk. She also talked to me aggressively. Crystal and I could make a friend very soon.

However, in case of Brandy, to be honest, she was very hard to speak. I tried to speak to her but our conversation didn't run high. She didn't try to go out from her room.

Listen!! Now we are best friends!! I don't know why, I don't know when and how we talked for the first time. Without notice, we had spent a lot of time together in the living room, which is our special room!!

In living room, we enjoyed talking, dancing, singing and so on. She really likes music, so she taught me a lot of American song, especially black music, and I learned their dance!!

July 8th was the last day for us.
I couldn't image how sad saying good bye was!!

I'll never forget what she said to me, "You are my first Japanese friends. You are my special person and party girl. GoGo!!"

I could be proud of myself more than before by meeting Brandy.


Another good bye.

I had one more roommate, actually she is a friend of Crystal's. She is from Nigeria. She just stayed at our room until she found her new apartment. To be honest, at first, I was upset, and also wanted her to leave here. But I changed my mind because she was very nice and funny. she understood my feeling very well when I talked about my problem, such as English skills. " We are not American, Native speaker, so it is normal that you can't speak English well. "
It was short to spend time with her. I wanna meet her again. And I wanna practice dance with her again!!

Independence day, July 4th

We didn't have to go to the school today because it was Independence Day!!

I had a plan to see the fireworks at downtown, but it was canceled. But I didn't stay at my dorm so I and Atsuko, one of my friends, tried to see the fireworks. We called to Korean guy who was the person canceled our plan, and asked again to go to the downtown. Then he accepted our favor. While we were waiting their ready, we went the supermarket to buy some snucks. It was already around 9 o'clock, so when we went outside, the fireworks was already started. we were upset but tried to see as clear as possible. We decided to go to the downtown on foot. On the way, we found that there was no sound of fireworks, and we noticed the fireworks had finished!! Just it was for about 10 minitus.

On the way home, that Korean guy called me, and we were invited to the small party. We went to his friend's house, and we ate chicken and drunk alcohole. He is very famous swimer and he had a competition tomorrow. So we had to leave, but still it was 10:30. We decided to go Simon's house. He is from Tiwan and he is also an ELI student.

When I arrived at his house, I was supprised because he had already bought the fireworks!! Just today we could do that in the city. It was so exciting!! It was better than city's fireworks.

After we enjoyed that, we talked about very private things with drinking. I mean who is the most beautiful for you?? Who is your favorite?? and so on.

We talked a lot and our distance became very close, I think.

I spent a wonderful time!!

Beach!!

Such as beautiful sea, beautiful sky, I have never seen. I really enjoyed myself this weekend. As you can find from these picture, I went to the beach at Florida. Last year, on my birthday, I went to the Shirarahama beach. I remembered my memories when I arrived here.

It took about 5 houres from touscaloosa to here. Actually at first I didn't want to wear swim suits, but when I watched this beautiful sea, I changed my mind.

About three hours, we stayed. Men threw women in the sea many times. We had eye or nose ache because of salty warter. I had heavy sunburn on my back and shoulder without notice. I didn't use lotion to protect from sunburn. That's why, I had pain on my body.

For dinner we visited the Japanese restaurant. I could eat sushi. For one saudi Arabian guy, it was first time to ear Japanese food, so I choosed best one for him. He enjoyed Japanese dinner and also he liked them.

On the way home, our 4 drivers were very tired. I tried not to sleep, but I slept. I regreted to sleep because they were also very tired and sleepy. I tried to keep talking but I couldn't. My driver was really tired and he was almost sleeping. He changed with Korean guy who didn't have international car licence but how to drive was same with Korea.

However, he was very norvous because the last time which he drove was one year ago. He didn't talk anything. Normally, he is very talkative.

Anyway,thank you so much, my best friends!!

Koreans problem

Now I am facing on serious problem between Japan and Korea. On Korean culture, being polite is very important, especially to old people.

One day, one Japanese girl asked to Korean guy to make a birthday party. But she was the girl that he loved before. He had had a birthday party for that girl. At that time, he confessed his feeling, actually it was not clear, just he gave her a present. But since that, she avoided talking with him, and she had never used his present, bug.

Nevertheless, suddenly she called him and met in front of our dorm. And She asked him about her friend's birthday party. You know, it is very impolite, definetely because she wasn't supposed to help them at all. I was so suprised to hear that. She shouldn't have relyed on him.

He is very kind so He accepted at her request, but actually he was disappointed about Japanese. He did his best for her birthday party, I recognize. But her behavior was terrible. He talked about that with other Korean guys. Of course thay got angry the impoliteness.

The guy who talked me this problem was worried about friendship between Japanese and Korean. He wsa really sad to what the Korean guy said, "I was disappointed about Japanese."

But actually Japanese girls helped them as much as possible. So it was better than I expected.

Now we are best friends. I found that I should have studied about each country's culture.

Be Proud of Yourself

Are you proud of yourself? My roommate asked me.

She has a lot of goals. One day I found the paper that was written her goals on her desk. I was suprised coz her goal was separated with daily, weekly and monthly. And she asked me to encourage her to keep her rules.

She has a idea, which is if you don't realize yourself, you can't achieve your goal. You should face yourself to find what is imporatnt or not for you.

I answered I can't be proud of myself coz my English has not improved yet. I came here to imoprove my English and learn culture differences through friends. But.....

She said to me I should be proud of myself. Without believing myself, I will not be able to go ahead. I want to make sure my goal. My future life might change, I hope so.

My Fantastic Roommates

Now I have two roommates. Since they came to my room, about 20 days have passed. Crystal is very funny and talkative. She is so interested in Japan, and she will come to my university next fall. When I heard about that, I was so supprised. When I have question, she teach me very kindly. When I had a presentation, she helped me to make good presentation. I practiced a lot in front of her. Another roommate is Brandy. She is also very good. At first, I couldn't talk with her. She also didn't tey to talk with me. She didn't come out from her room. But recently, I often talk with her. One day she made southern food for me. It was so good. After she found I liked it, she cooked me again. How kind she was!! She said to me, "You are the best room I had ever had." She doesn't have Japanese friends so I am the first Japanese friend for her. I want her to have interests in Japan.

Party Party Party!!!

Since I came here, about one month has spent. This weekend was special because I met many American guys. Moreover I met very kind Japanese girls. On Friday I went to BBQ perty. It was kind of ELI's activity. I enjopyed. Sebastian and Jeff also came to this party. They were our partner of culturally speaking. They are also interested in Japan. In this party, I talked with old Japanese woman who is ELI student. I talked about my feeling. Recently I have been nurvous because friends around me can talk English a lot. I can't patcipate in conversation. And I don't think my hearing skill is improving. I am scared about asking again what people said. She said to me if you were American people, you would irritate to non-native speaker, because they speak slowly. Now I have to study English more. And I hope I make friends who are interested in Japan.

After the BBQ, we joined Sawako's birthday party at Nathon's house. I envy her. All Japanses visited and Some Koreans visited. After this party I went to Erika's party. She is also ELI student, but she has lived here since January 2006, so she has a lot of American friends. I wanna make friends with Americans. She made a chance fore us, and I met Ryan. He is so good person. He said to me, "if you need help, ask me!! I wanna help you." At Erika's house, I met Ayumi. She is also Japanese, and a graduated student of AU. She has a boyfriend, he is Maika. I heard their love history. It was wonderful. After Ayumi had stayed there, she had to go back Japan to graduate her university. He went to Japan without goal, just he wanted to be with her.
After they had stayed at Japan for a year, they came back here. I was so moved. This is true love. Third party is in Bassham's house. He is from Saudi Arabian. We enjoyed dancing.

On satarday, I went to Ikuya's birthday party. I saw people drinking by shot. Many people completely drunk, I heard. After we went to Ikuya's party, we went to Ayumi's dance party. Ryan also was here. Actually he took us from Ikuya's house to Ayumi's house. In this party, I knew unbeliebable matter. Now I can't believe alomost all American. I wanna make friends but I can't believe them. So I am confused. But I think I have to pay attention to myself.

Now I'll show you some pictures. I'll talk about Saturday later.


At Ikuya's birthday party. He is Dan. He is our partner of cultually speaking class.


At Ikuya's birthday party. With Chipper and Camelon. Chipper is also partner of cultually speaking class. Camelon is good at speaking English very much. He had been to Kansaigaidai.


She is Yunhaw. She is from Korea. She is so cute and funny. We went to University mall for shoping. We bought sungrasses each other.




We ate humberger of BURGER KING. It was big. It was first time for us. Since I came here, this shop had closed.

Sports

On Tuesday I played softball with my friends who are ELI students. Since I came to America, I have tried to play some kinds of sports. Actually, I like playing sports. But I am a beginer completely about softball. All of my friends were good players. I joined the team but I didn't play well. But they treated me very kindly. I was happy and I could enjoy. I met Kailen(I'm sorry I don't know the spell). He is a son of Daniel. He is so cute. I have met him before but I supposed he forgot me. Fortunatly, on that day, he called my name. During game, while I was waiting my batting turn, I played with him.

After I spent time with ELI students or Americans, I regretted that I didn't speak in English aggressively. I often affected to understand what they said in English. If I understand what they said, I have to ask again, I know. I should change my attitude.

First Article of My New Life

Hey! Long time no see. About two weeks had pasted since I came to ALABAMA. Many things happened for me. There were a lot of meetings. I could make friends with international friends. But I don't have American friends because now they are taking thier vacation. Soit is difficult to meet them. Actually I don't have a roommate. I live alone in the room for 4 people. But there is no kitchen, so I can't cook. I bought a small stove to solve this problem. I have already got a pan so I can cook now. But in fact, there are a little food in my fridge. I wanna make a dinner, for example, pasta, yakisoba, yakimeshi and so on. My friend has a rice cooker. It means I can eat rice!! I have already went off the bread. I am going to ask my mother to send Japanese foods a lot.

I am taking three classes, Listening/Speaking4, Reading/Writing3 and Structure4. I have to take more than "B" at all classes. It is rule of Kansaigaidai. Though I don't wanna consider grade, if I fail, I have to go back Japan. I need to study very hard. But I like party, so on weekend I join a party. On weekend, in America, there are a lot of party. If you don't join, you will be so bored. There are differences between America and Japan. They drink only beer. There is no cocktail. I couldn't believe. And also they don't eat anything, only potato chips.

Actually I wanna go to the Bar. I am 20 years old, but I will be enter the bar. I wanna dance now. I hope my friend who belonges to dance club teach me.

I am having a interest on Korea. In ELI, there is some Korean. And my friends and I often hang out. When we chatted with them, I learned about their strict culture. Perhaps I won't be able to take French class at UA so I wanna take Korean class.

My life in America has started. I should do my best. I swear I improve my English skills.





We had dinner for the first time in America. It was just sandwhich.



This is a studiam. In there, we can watch the mach of foot ball.




With Noriko and Ai. They are my good seniors.



With Khalid and Mahrged and Darhel.



I found soy sause of KIKKOMAN!!



This is Saudi Alabia's dish.


This is first party. With some of ELI students.